Where the pattern of settlement of different populations is to be compared and other factors besides surface area are taken into account, comparative density indices1 are sometimes computed. There are various such indices, among which we may mention the density of population per unit of cultivable area2 and the density of the agricultural population per unit of cultivable area3. Occasionally these indices are based on the cultivated area4 rather than the cultivable area5. The density may also be expressed as a relation between population and total economic resources; the maximum potential density6 or population carrying capacity6, showing the relationship between resources and the maximum population that can be supported with these resources, may be considered. The concept of optimum density7, i.e., the density which will give the maximum real income per head with given resources, is used in population theory.
Terms
- comparative density index (313-1)
- cultivable area (313-5)
- cultivated area (313-4)
- density of population per unit of cultivable area (313-2)
- density of the agricultural population per unit of cultivable area (313-3)
- maximum potential density (313-6)
- optimum density (313-7)
- population carrying capacity (313-6)
